Remote fob requires closer proximity now....

I would start with the fob battery. Have you already tried the second fob to see if it behaves the same?

 

Just because the battery was "new" doesn't mean it was good. If the battery is anywhere approaching 2.9 V, it needs to be replaced. Check the battery with your voltmeter.

 

The screws that Toyota supplies are an odd size. I think they are 3.5 or 2.5 Phillips heads. Most people don’t have those half sizes so they routinely strip the heads. You may be able to find replacement screws at a large ACE hardware rack that will work.

 

You most likely will fail trying to find replacement screws at a hardware store. Try a jeweler that does watch repairs or the dealership or ebay or online parts -- but dealer would be my choice

89759-47010 Genuine Toyota Screw, Door Control

 

and check the 12v health

 

You can find these screws in old laptop computers... Also you can just buy a new FOB case and use those screws: Replacement Car Key Fob Remote Shell Case For Toyota Prius 2007 2008 2009 3Bto | eBay

 

Yeah, and rather than fumble through laptop screws, which may, or may not fit, you can spend less than $2 and get it either the same day or the next day from the dealer. And, at the dealership I usually visit, if they have it in stock -- not likely, but -- odds are they will replace it for me and "gift" me the screw for a total cost of zero and NO work on my part.

If they order it in, well, then I have to spend the whopping $1.50 (which is pricey for one screw), but they still will "install for free."

Once I ordered, then tried to get them to install the passenger side-view mirror for free, but they balked. No big deal, a 10-minute job.

 

My repair efforts are not as aggressive as they used to be, but I always appreciated it when the dealership -- surprisingly -- gifted a small part and installed. It has happened a couple of times.

Of course, it has happened at NAPA Auto Parts, my local tire shop, hardware store, etc., also. I think it depends on how you treat people. I always try to make friends. Better than the alternative. As I have learned (the hard way --), life is fleeting.
Kris

 

If you purchase a new FOB shell, make sure you transfer over the all electrical components within the FOB. I left some kind of metallic strip (don't remember exactly what it was) and my FOB didn't work properly until I dug up the old FOB and transferred it over.

 

Yep, that's the "RFID" chip for the immobilizer - it works when you put the fob in the dash slot.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

The odd size of the OEM screw head is a PiTA. That is why they get stripped because most people don’t have the right size Phillips driver. I gave a 36 piece driver assortment from Amazon and this is the only time I can reall ever using a half size. I thought the head was stripped, was just the wrong size that I was trying.

 

Couple things:

1. Your range symptoms are very normal for a fob battery getting weak. Buy and install a quality CR2032, not a cheap chinese dollar store battery.
2. I've replaced a LOT of Gen 2 fob cases with aftermarket ebay cases. NONE of them have the same size screws as the OEM, always slightly larger and easier to deal with. They are not interchangeable with OEM screws.
3. It's likely you'll spend way too much time and effort trying to find replacement screws for the OEM fob. See below.
4. Most likely, the OPs FOB buttons are worn and need replacement anyway, so just spend 7 bucks and buy a new case. Make sure you transfer all components, including the RFID chip or you'll hate life later when you need it. Make sure you move your OEM key to the new case. Put your old case parts in a ziplock bag and keep them. That way, a month from now when you realize you still forgot to move the RFID chip, you'll still have it.